Drive sales on autopilot with ecommerce-focused features
See FeaturesIf you’re an ecommerce business owner wondering how to start a Shopify store in 2025, you’re in the right place. As one of the most popular ecommerce platforms, Shopify is a go-to solution for entrepreneurs worldwide.
With its ease of use, scalability, and customizable templates, it allows you to create a professional online store without high technical expertise. Whether you’re launching a side hustle or expanding an established business, Shopify provides powerful tools to support your journey.
In this guide, we’ll discuss essential topics like how to set up your Shopify store in nine easy steps, the associated costs, and potential profitability. We’ll also discuss the legal requirements for running your online shop.
By the end of this article, you’ll have a basic idea of how to start a Shopify store, giving you the confidence to turn your entrepreneurial dreams into reality.
What is Shopify, and why choose it?
Shopify is a leading ecommerce platform that allows businesses to create and manage online stores. It’s designed to simplify the process of selling products online, making it an ideal solution for both beginners and experienced sellers alike.
Shopify is the most preferred ecommerce platform in the United States, with a 28% market share as of June 2023. Globally, it ranks fourth with a 10.32% market share, coming after WooCommerce, Woo Themes, and Squarespace.
For those wondering whether Shopify is the right for them, here are some notable features and benefits it offers:
- User-friendly interface: Shopify is known for its intuitive design, making it simple for even beginners to set up and manage their online store. You don’t need coding skills to launch your store. Its easy-to-use interface lets you do everything from adding products to customizing your website.
- Customizable templates: With 10+ free and 200+ paid professional themes, Shopify allows you to create a visually appealing store that aligns with your brand. Many themes offer handy features, including EU translations (French, Italian, Spanish, and more), breadcrumbs (for navigation), and stock counters.
- Comprehensive app ecosystem: Shopify’s App Store features 8,000+ integrations, allowing you to extend your store’s functionality. Whether you need tools for email marketing or inventory management, Shopify integrates seamlessly with apps like Omnisend and QuickBooks to optimize your operations.
- Multiple payment options: Shopify supports over 100 payment gateways, including popular options like PayPal, Stripe, and its own Shopify Payments. This flexibility ensures you can provide smooth and secure transactions while catering to customer preferences worldwide.
- Scalability: Whether you’re starting small, selling a few items to experiment, or running a large enterprise, Shopify can accommodate your growth. Features like Shopify POS (point of sale) and custom coding options offer flexibility for growth.
Step-by-step guide: How to start a Shopify store
Starting your own Shopify store might seem daunting, but with the right guidance, it becomes a breeze. Whether you’re new to the ecommerce space and want to know how to start a Shopify store for beginners or are looking to launch a dropshipping business, this step-by-step guide will walk you through the process.
Let’s get started.
Step 1: Sign up for Shopify
The first step in your journey to start a Shopify store is creating an account. To do so, you’ll need to visit Shopify and click on the Start free trial button.

Here’s what you need to do next:
- Fill out a questionnaire about your business to help Shopify tailor your experience
- Provide details about your business location
- Choose whether to create a Shopify account using email, Apple, Facebook, or Google
Shopify offers a free three-day trial, allowing you to explore the platform before committing.
Step 2: Choose your Shopify plan
After the free trial period, you’ll need to choose a plan that best suits your needs. Shopify offers different pricing tiers, ranging from $39 to $399 per month:
- Basic: $39/month
- Shopify: $105/month
- Advanced: $399/month
- Plus: $2,300/month (three-year term)

When considering how much it costs to start a Shopify store, remember that while plans start at $39/month, additional costs may include apps, themes, and transaction fees. You’ll also need to consider additional staff accounts or advanced reporting tools.
You can even upgrade to Shopify Plus if your store handles bulk orders and needs full functionality or extra staff accounts. But before you upgrade, you must know the difference between basic Shopify vs Shopify Plus in terms of pricing, features, and management to determine which is suitable for your business.
Step 3: Choose a domain name
Your domain name is your store’s online address or URL. You can purchase a domain name directly through Shopify or use a third-party service like GoDaddy or Hostinger. You can also connect your existing domain if you already have one.
When choosing a Shopify domain, remember:
- It should be short and memorable
- The domain name must align with your brand name
- There should be no hyphens or numbers
For those interested in how to start a Shopify store with no money, the myshopify.com subdomain is available by default. However, if you want to build trust among your audience and have a domain that’s easier to remember, opt for a custom one.
Here’s how to choose and set up your domain through Shopify:
- Navigate to Domains from Settings on your Shopify admin page
- Click on Buy new domain
- Search for your desired name and choose an available option
- Complete the purchase by clicking Buy for your chosen domain name and extension
Step 4: Select a theme and customize your store
One of the best aspects of Shopify is its customizable themes. You can choose from free or premium themes, with prices ranging from $140 to $400 and beyond, depending on your budget.

Whether you want a minimalist look or a highly stylized store, Shopify’s Theme Store has various options that fit your business. You can filter themes by industry, price, features, and catalog size.
Once you’ve selected a theme, customize it to suit your brand identity by adjusting colors, fonts, and layouts. For beginners, Shopify’s editor makes this process simple because you don’t need coding experience.
While customizing, regularly preview your store on both desktop and mobile devices to ensure a uniform experience across all platforms.
Step 5: Add products to your store
Next, it’s time to add products to your Shopify store. Here’s how to do it:
- From your Shopify admin, go to Products > Add product
- Add important details like product name, description, price, and pictures
- Click Save when done

If you’re interested in how to start a Shopify dropshipping store, this step is also where you can use integrated dropshipping apps like DSers or Spocket. These apps allow you to import products directly from suppliers into Shopify.
Step 6: Set up payment gateways
Shopify supports 100+ payment gateways, including its own gateway, known as Shopify Payments, and third-party apps like Amazon Pay, PayPal, and Stripe. This flexibility allows you to offer multiple payment options to your customers to increase the likelihood of completed transactions.

To receive payments from customers, you need to set up payment gateways:
- Navigate to Settings > Payments on your Shopify admin page
- Choose from various payment providers:
- Shopify Payments (available in selected countries)
- Third-party providers like PayPal, Stripe, or Square
- Follow the prompts to activate your chosen payment gateway/s
Remember to review transaction fees on online standard card rates, as every Shopify plan comes with a defined transaction. Using Shopify Payments can help reduce these fees.
To ensure real-time payment processing with fraud detection and a smooth checkout experience, consider using a customized Shopify Checkout. It’s designed to optimize conversion rates and can be customized to match your store’s branding.
Step 7: Set up shipping options
Shipping is a critical part of your ecommerce setup. Shopify allows you to define shipping rates based on weight, order total, or location. Here’s how you can configure shipping:
- Go to Settings > Shipping and delivery
- Set up shipping zones based on where you’ll ship to
- For each zone, add shipping rates:
- Flat rate shipping
- Free shipping (e.g., for orders over a certain amount)
- Real-time carrier rates (with shipping companies like USPS or UPS)
Consider using Shopify Shipping for discounted rates with major carriers. This will also allow you to easily buy and print shipping labels yourself, all within the Shopify platform.

Step 8: Test your store
Before launching your store, test it thoroughly to confirm a smooth customer experience. Shopify allows you to place test orders to be certain that everything works as it should, from browsing to checkout.
Here’s a sample checklist you can follow:
- Confirm that all payment gateways and shipping settings are functioning properly
- Check that your policies (e.g., returns and shipping) are easily accessible
- Make sure all product information and images are displayed correctly
- Evaluate tax and shipping calculations for accuracy
- Test your store on different devices and browsers
- Verify that all links work correctly
Thorough testing can prevent issues that might deter customers or lead to lost sales. Therefore, it’s worth investing time in this step to ensure a polished, professional store at launch.
Step 9: Launch your store
Once everything is set up and tested, it’s finally time to launch your store! Simply remove the password protection that keeps your store private during setup and make your website live.
Be sure to go through the Shopify launch checklist before announcing the launch of your store through social media, email marketing, or even paid ads.
Keep in mind that launching your store is just the beginning. Growing your audience and optimizing your sales strategy will require continuous effort.
How to start a Shopify dropshipping store
If you’re not looking for a fully functional store just yet, starting a Shopify dropshipping store can be a great way to build an online business. It doesn’t require managing inventory or handling shipping.
Here’s how to get started with dropshipping on Shopify:
- Set up your Shopify account: Follow the same process as outlined in our previously outlined step-by-step guide. Sign up, choose a plan and theme, and customize your store.
- Select a dropshipping supplier: Research reliable suppliers who offer quality products and timely shipping. Popular options include AliExpress, DSers, CJdropshipping, and SaleHoo.
- Install a dropshipping app: Shopify’s App Store offers several dropshipping apps that allow you to browse products, add them to your store, and automate order fulfillment. They include Zendrop, DSers, Spocket, and CJdropshipping.
- Import products to your store: Use your chosen app to import products, including descriptions and images. Don’t forget to customize product details to match your brand voice.
- Set pricing margins and configure shipping settings: Determine your selling prices based on the supplier’s cost and your desired profit margin. Additionally, set up a returns policy and shipping rates that reflect your suppliers’ policies.
- Manage inventory and shipping: With dropshipping, you don’t have to directly handle inventory or shipping. However, you still need to stay on top of supplier stock levels and shipping times on your app to ensure a smooth customer experience.
For a positive dropshipping experience, choose quality products, maintain good supplier relationships, and provide excellent customer service. Also, stay on top of order fulfillment and be prepared to handle customer inquiries about shipping times and product quality.
Costs involved in starting and running a Shopify store
Now, we get to the question: how much does it cost to start a Shopify store? The answer depends on various factors, several of which we’ll address here:
1. Shopify subscription fees
There are three main Shopify plans with monthly and annual billing options:
- Basic: $39/month ($29/month, paid annually)
- Shopify: $105/month ($79/month, paid annually)
- Advanced: $399/month ($299/month, paid annually)
Opting for annual billing can save you up to 25% in fees. Additionally, Shopify Plus is available for high-volume enterprises. It starts at $2,300/month for a three-year term or $2,500/month for a one-year term.
If your main focus is selling only on social media and messaging apps, you can get started with the Starter plan for $5/month. However, you don’t get a proper storefront with this plan.
2. Transaction fees
When using Shopify Payments, you’ll need to pay a fee for payment processing, which is charged in your payout currency. For online standard card rates, for instance, the fees are:
- Domestic:
- Basic: 2.9% + $0.30
- Shopify: 2.7% + $0.30
- Advanced: 2.5% + $0.30
- Cross border/international: An additional 1% on all plans
However, if you use a third-party payment provider, additional transaction fees apply, depending on your plan:
- Basic: 2%
- Shopify: 1%
- Advanced: 0.6%
- Plus: 0.2%
3. Domain, themes, and apps
- Domain names: Buying a domain through Shopify typically costs around $15/year
- Themes: Choose from free themes or premium ones, with a one-time purchase fee that ranges from $140 to $450
- Apps: While many apps are free, others require a one-time fee or a monthly subscription, ranging from $5 to $100 and beyond, depending on functionality
4. Marketing costs
Consider marketing expenses, including social media ads, email marketing, and SEO tools. Shopify Email, which is Shopify’s email marketing tool, allows you to send 10,000 emails for free per month. Beyond this, charges apply:
- Between 10k and 300k emails: $1 per 1,000 emails
- Between 300k and 750k emails: $0.65 per 1,000 emails
- 750k+ emails: $0.55 per 1,000 emails
5. Additional costs
- Shopify Tax: 0.35% calculation fee on applicable orders (0.25% for Shopify Plus)
- Currency conversion fee:
- US: 1.5%
- Other countries/regions with Shopify Payments: 2%
Here’s a summary of the key costs:
Cost | Basic Shopify | Shopify | Advanced Shopify |
Monthly subscription fee | $39 | $105 | $399 |
Annual subscription fee | $29 | $79 | $299 |
Payment processing fees (domestic) | 2.9% +$0.30 | 2.7% +$0.30 | 2.5% +$0.30 |
Third-party transaction fees (if not using Shopify Payments) | 2% | 1% | 0.6% |
Domain name | $15/year | $15/year | $15/year |
Themes (premium) | $140 – $450 | $140 – $450 | $140 – $450 |
Apps (paid) | $5 – $100+ | $5 – $100+ | $5 – $100+ |
Legal requirements for running a Shopify store
Running a Shopify store doesn’t require a business license. However, the licenses and permits needed at the state level will vary depending on your business’s location, operations, and activities.
The legal requirements may also vary depending on your location and the nature of your business. Consider the following:
- Business registration: Depending on your country or state, you may need to officially register your business. In the US, you could register it as an LLC or sole proprietorship.
- Tax obligations: Most regions, including the US, UK, and EU, require businesses to collect sales tax or VAT on transactions. To comply, you’ll need to register for tax and keep accurate records.
- Seller permits: In certain cases, a seller’s permit or sales tax license is required. This is particularly true if you’re selling physical goods.
Region-specific considerations
- US: Business registration and tax collection are often mandatory at the state level, so check local regulations for specific licensing needs
- UK and EU: Comply with GDPR for data protection and VAT regulations for cross-border sales
While Shopify simplifies many aspects of running an online store, it’s crucial to research and comply with all relevant legal requirements in your jurisdiction. Consult with a local business attorney or accountant for personalized advice.
Tips for beginners: common mistakes to avoid
When learning how to start a Shopify store for beginners, it’s natural to make mistakes. Here are a few common pitfalls and tips to avoid them:
- Choosing the wrong niche: Many beginners pick a niche without researching demand or competition. Ensure your products have a market to avoid entering an overly saturated space.
- Overcomplicating store design: A cluttered or overly complex store can deter or overwhelm visitors. Look at top Shopify stores for inspiration. Many use clean, user-friendly designs that prioritize navigation and product visibility.
- Ignoring SEO: Beginners can overlook SEO amidst the excitement of setting up a store. However, optimizing product pages and descriptions for search engines will help attract organic traffic.
- Inconsistent branding and marketing: Take time to maintain a cohesive brand identity across channels and build an email list. This helps build trust and recognition, making your brand more memorable.
- Failing to test before launch: Not testing functionality, mobile responsiveness, and your checkout process can lead to lost sales. Test everything before going live to ensure a smooth customer experience.
How to quickly monetize a new Shopify store
Monetizing a new Shopify store doesn’t have to be a long process. By implementing the right strategies early on, you can start generating revenue fast.
Here are a few tips to help you get started:
- Implement email marketing: Build a list and use email automation tools like Omnisend to send targeted promotions, product updates, and abandoned cart reminders. This can help nurture leads, engage customers, and drive sales.
- Leverage social media advertising: Invest in Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok ads to get your store to a larger audience. You can target specific demographics based on interests and shopping behavior.
- Utilize influencer marketing: Collaborate with influencers in your niche to promote your store and reach their followers. Influencers can drive traffic and build credibility for your brand.
- Add customer reviews and social proof: Displaying authentic product reviews and testimonials on your store builds trust. It also influences your visitors’ purchasing decisions.
- Implement upselling and cross-selling: Suggest complementary products or upgrades to increase average order value. While at it, respond promptly to inquiries and resolve issues quickly to encourage positive word-of-mouth.
Understanding how to start a Shopify store requires initial hard work. However, applying proper monetization and sales strategies is an ongoing process that can set you on the path to early success.
With persistence and creativity, you can transform your Shopify store from a new venture into a thriving ecommerce business. Remember to be patient, remain flexible, and always prioritize your customers’ needs.
FAQ
1. Can you make money on Shopify?
Yes, many entrepreneurs successfully generate income through Shopify stores. The platform supports different business models, including dropshipping, print-on-demand, and selling digital goods. However, your profitability depends on factors such as your niche, marketing strategy, and operational efficiency.
2. Is Shopify worth it for a small business?
Shopify is an excellent ecommerce platform for small businesses, with its user-friendly interface, scalability, and range of tools. Plus, its flexible pricing plans cater to the budget of small businesses.
3. How much does it cost to start on Shopify?
The basic Shopify plan starts at $39/month. Additional costs may include domain registration ($15/year), apps, and, if you choose, a premium theme ($140 – $450). You should also factor marketing expenses and transaction fees into your budget.
4. How profitable is a Shopify store?
Profitability varies widely among Shopify stores. Some businesses report six-figure revenues, while others struggle to break even. Your success will depend on factors like product selection, pricing strategy, marketing efforts, and operational efficiency.
5. Do you need a license to run a Shopify store?
In most cases, you don’t need a specific license to run a Shopify store. But, depending on your location, you may need to register your business, collect sales tax, and obtain any required permits for selling certain products. Always check local regulations to ensure compliance.
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